With various speed skating races featured at the 2026 Winter Olympics, this article details the essential facts about the sport. Olympic speed skating is categorized into two distinct disciplines: Long Track and Short Track. Long Track races are conducted on a 400-meter oval track, while Short Track races occur on a smaller, 111-meter rink within a standard hockey arena. The differing landscapes of these races account for unique strategies and experiences for both athletes and spectators.

Speed skating is renowned for its extraordinary velocities, where athletes can reach speeds exceeding 60 km/h (37 mph) during straight portions of the course, marking it as the fastest unassisted human-powered sport globally. This incredible speed is a result of a combination of explosive power required for fast starts and the aerodynamic precision that enables skaters to maintain top speeds throughout the competition. Such dynamics not only make it exhilarating to watch but also showcase the intense training and athleticism of the competitors.

The race formats further distinguish the two disciplines: Long Track skaters typically race in pairs against the clock, chasing the fastest times, while Short Track competitors race in packs of four to six skaters, adding an element of unpredictability and strategy to each race. Understanding these aspects offers a glimpse into the thrilling and strategic nature of speed skating, setting the stage for the upcoming Winter Olympics, where athletes will push the boundaries of speed and skill on ice.